|Blood Type & Nutrition
has been theorized that a person's blood type affects the body's
reaction to foods. This theory, which is primarily the work of Peter
D'Adamo, sets forth that the type of blood determines the body's
reaction to and processing of certain types of nutrients found in
foods, and that consuming the foods containing lectins
(carbohydrate-binding proteins) best utilized by a person's blood type
will enhance their health. According to this theory, there are four
types of people, with each type relating to a blood type: the hunter
(blood type O), the cultivator (blood type A), the nomad (blood type
B), and the enigma (blood type AB).
has been much criticism of this theory, which—while it certainly is not
unhealthy—has undergone little medical and/or scientific research, and
no published clinical trials. The writings setting forth the theory
provide no documentation as to the reasoning behind classifying foods
as "neutral," "beneficial," or "avoids." Biochemical research has also
shown that the lectins found in nearly all human-consumed food do not
show differences when reacting with the different blood types, and that
ABO-specific lectins are mainly found in non-food plants and animals.
The theory also assumes that blood type O was the primary type when
humans originated, and that the other 3 types evolved from type O, a
theory based on the flawed logic that the "normal" genes—A, B, and AB,
which possess antigens—would arise from the "flawed" O blood type,
which possesses no antigens.
following a diet based on your blood type may have beneficial results,
it has not, as of yet been scientifically proven to work. The best way
to maintain your health is to eat a balanced diet, exercise, and avoid
unhealthy foods and activities.